Traction Alopecia on Temples

asked 2 years ago by Alexandra73 in Canada
Latest answer by John E. Frank, MD
Question viewed 3,048 times

I have been braiding my hair for many years. I want to stop & have my natural hair but I now only use the braids to cover my bald spots.The scalp is very soft to the touch. What can I do? can the hair grow back? are there any products I can purchase to help or will I need hair transplants? thank you

6 answers to Traction Alopecia on Temples

Tight Hair Braiding Can Lead to Permanent Hair Loss (Traction Alopecia)

Your alopecia (hair loss) may or may not be permanent. Permanent hair loss is the result of permanently damaged hair follicles which may occur after years and years of braiding your hair. The tight pulling may lead to repeated trauma to the follicle and ultimately killing the follicle and permanent hair loss. Once the trauma from braiding is stopped, then there shouldn't be anymore hair loss (however it would be unusual to regain any of the lost hair). There are two... more

John E. Frank, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hair Loss Caused by Traction Alopecia

Hair loss due to severe traction alopecia may respond to medical treatment (such as Steroids, minoxidil) , while advanced cases that have resulted in scarring alopecia would not respond to medical treatment. If you notice the peripheral thinning early on, the hair may have a chance to grow back. I advise that you first stop braiding your hair. Traction alopecia can worsen, and hair loss can spread from the temples to the entire anterior and posterior hairline. Next, I advise you to... more

Sanusi Umar, MD
Redondo Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

Traction Alopecia Can Lead to Scarring

I would first recommend discontinuing the brading-- I still still a number of hair follicle units in your photo (though difficult from that one photo to assess) and you may find many of the hairs grow back with sufficient time without braiding. Unfortunately, scarring may have occurred, which is quite common with traction alopecia. In this case, a surgical treatment, such as hair transplant, would be necessary. No topical agents will cause regrowth in an area of... more

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD
Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon

Hair loss due to traction

Hair loss associated with tight weaves and braiding is known as traction alopecia. This is very common and is easily treatable with hair transplantation surgery. Depending on the area of hair loss, grafts can be placed that will appear natural and undetectable. The donor site scar also heals remarkably well. Most onlookers will never know that you had this procedure. I have been impressed with our treatments using micorgrafting techniques. more

Allan J. Parungao, MD
Oak Brook Plastic Surgeon

Traction alopecia and hairstyling practices

Traction alopecia is sadly very common amongst Black patients of all descents, as well as any persons who exact a lot of tension on the hair, such as ballerinas who pull their hair in a tight bun. Unfortunately, it is poorly recognized, and we must do more to educate each other about the problem. If caught very early, before follicles are scarred, a degree of hair growth may be achieved. If the follicles have scarred over, it will not be possible to... more

Dornechia George Carter, MD
Dallas Dermatologist

Traction alopecia can be treated

Traction alopecia is a real problem for many African American women. It results from prolonged tension on the follicle, and can be worse in patients who have used relaxers for many years. You can start by seeing a dermatogist for injections of anti-inflammatory medicine (Kenalog) in the affected areas. Also topical minoxidil can help. Give these methods 6-12 months and if you are still not happy consider hair transplatation. And in the meantime steer clear of damaging relaxers and tight... more

Nicole E. Rogers, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

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